Liberal panelist Ryan Lizza did not allow Right Wing Trump supporter Penny Nance to define him. It is a strategy liberal panelist must follow all of the time.
Liberal panelist shows how to handle Right Wing liar
Liberals typically get run over when appearing on panels with Right Wingers because they allow them to monopolize the subject as they misinform. Ryan Lizza would have none of it. And CNN Host Poppy Harlow gave Lizza the latitude to defend himself.
The discussion began with Harlow speaking about many Republicans’ reaction to Donald Trump creating Putin’s moral relativism with America. She played the clip of Trump responding to Bill O’Reilly’s statement that Putin is a killer saying, “You think our country is so innocent?” Trump asked.
Harlow then asked if Republicans saw criticizing Trump on this issue as a safe space to take on the President of their party. Lizza responded that he believe so. He said Republicans “believe in a more values-based foreign policy. … They want the American president to talk about America’s exceptionalism.”
Lizza said they are tearing their hair out now because of Trump’s actions in appeasing Putin and Russia. Soon after, Harlow asked for Concerned Women for America CEO Penny Nance for her opinion.
“First of all let me say I am gratified, deeply gratified to see Liberals talking about moral relativism,” Nance said. “That’s a new subject for them. So thank you. And the other issue is …”
Lizza did not allow her to continue by leaving that false marker in the ethos. He immediately defended himself.
“Mam, hold on a second,” Lizza said. “You don’t know me. Moral relativism is not a new subject for me. Please don’t make a personal attack on me.”
Nance again tried to get the upper hand by claiming he was speaking over a woman and it was disrespectful. Lizza did not allow her righteous indignation to throw him off.
“What is disrespectful is to come on air and accuse me of not caring about moral relativism,” Lizza replied.
“I don’t even know you,” Nance replied.
“That;s right,” Lizza angrily replied. “So don’t make accusations like that.”
The back and forth continued but Lizza made the critical point that he was interrupting her to correct the record, read, not allow her lies to go unanswered.
“It’s rude to come on air and say things that are incorrect,” Lizza said. “Okay, and if you are going to do that, I will interrupt you.”
Lizza kept the upper hand in the discussion, so much so that Nance called on CNN Host Harlow for help.
Harlow said what I wish more hosts would.
“You know what Penny,” Harlow replied. “You said something. He is defending himself. And now I am out of time guys.”
Normally Liberals get the short end of the stick as misinforming Right Wingers monopolize the time on these types of panels. Ryan Lizza did not play the game. He did what one hopes more Liberals will.
(h/t RawStory)